The Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) was designed by HUD based upon the need for empirical data about homeless families and individuals, including, to the greatest extent possible, an unduplicated count and tracking of client outcomes to measure program efficacy with quantifiable data in order to better target funds and document the need for additional funds.
The benefits of HMIS are to:
- Decrease duplicative client intakes and assessments
- Coordinate services and streamline referrals
- Track client outcomes
- Prepare reports for funders, boards and other stakeholders
- Inform program design and policy decisions
- Identify and quantify service needs and service gaps by agency, community, region and/or statewide
- provide on-line access to statewide database of service providers, and has
- high level of data security
HMIS is used in Mahoning County and the database is housed by the Center for Human Services Development at Youngstown State University through a contract with HUD. All of the local service providers to the homeless participate in HMIS. This data has been used to provide an overview of homelessness and services in the county.
The Point-in-Time study is another HUD methodology that provides "statistically reliable, unduplicated counts or estimates of homeless persons in sheltered and unsheltered locations at a one-day point in time" (McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, 2004 http://www.serve.org/nche/m-v.php)
Providers count the total number of clients residing in their programs during the PIT count. CoC agencies used HMIS to complete the PIT sheltered count and subpopulation information and gather subpopulation information on sheltered homeless persons. Providers use individual client records (e.g., case management files) to provide subpopulation data for each adult and unaccompanied youth. All participants are provided written instructions for completing the sheltered PIT count.
HMIS partner agencies use the HMIS to produce the subpopulation count and non-partner agencies use case management records. Partner and non-partner agencies submit a hard copy survey to the HMIS Administrator. The HMIS Administrator runs multiple data quality tests to ensure the accuracy and completeness of subpopulation count data reported by partner agencies prior to compiling the information.
The HMIS Administrator reminds providers about the count and follows up with providers to ensure the maximum possible response rate and accuracy.
The HMIS Administrator uses the HMIS to verify data collected from providers for the sheltered PIT count.
During the January 2009 PIT there was 100% participation from Emergency shelter providers and Transitional housing providers.
Click Here for the Video "Homeless But Not Helpless"
Shelter on Mahoning River. Picture taken by James Ford.
